What will leadership changes bring in the southern, legacy state conventions?

One of the questions that the folks at SBC This Week asked, in January of 2017, was, “Will we start to see leadership transitions in southern states?” The answer for that year was, “no” but this year the answer will be “yes.”

The 14 “southern” states with 16 of the SBC’s 42 state conventions make up most of the SBC’s giving and other stats, 90% or more of some. These are

SBC Virginia

BGA Virginia

North Carolina

South Carolina

Georgia

Florida

Alabama

Mississippi

Louisiana

BGC Texas

SB Texas C

Oklahoma

Missouri

Arkansas

Kentucky

Tennessee

These all have executive directors and the average age of the fine brethren is about 62. Most are 60 years of age or older, including three in their eighth decade. The average tenure is about a decade with three being in the position for three years or less and four being in their third decade on the job.

In my own state, Georgia, our very fine ED, Robert White, 71, announced his retirement which triggered my remembrance of the SBC This Week’s question about leadership transition. Will we begin to see much transition to younger leaders? What changes will the next generation of state leaders bring?

I can’t answer those questions other than to look at the younger state EDs and see what looks different. It looks to me like some changes will come. New leadership seems to be plucked from a younger cohort, around 50-55 or so.

I’m curious if the brethren/sistren in states where the ED is new and younger see any changes or trends?

State conventions are still the ‘keeper’ of most Cooperative Program giving, close to $300 million. What needs to change in regard to the state conventions?

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About William Thornton

William Thornton is a lifelong Southern Baptist and semi-retired pastor who served churches in South Carolina and Georgia. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. You may find him occasionally on Twitter @wmgthornton.